Patna High Court restricts religious procession

The India — Patna High Court dismissed a plea seeking permission for 300 devotees to participate in an annual religious procession in India — Siwan, India — Bihar. The court held that the right to profess and practice religion is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order and societal norms. The state had restricted attendance to five people due to security concerns, citing incidents of violence during the 2024 procession, including setting fire to a government vehicle and pelting stones at police. The court, in its August 20 judgment by Justice Alok Kumar, affirmed that religious freedom under Articles 19(1)(b), 25, and 26 is subject to public order, morality, and health constraints. It also rejected the petitioner's apprehension about future restrictions as premature, stating that such decisions depend on the prevailing law and order situation at the time permission is sought.